New "V" MID From SmartDevices

[celtica96]

Eletroworld is hinting about an upcoming Mobile Internet Device from SmartDevices.

The new device will have many of the features of the SmartQ 7 plus very strong video capabilities.

Overall, it sounds something like the Toshiba JournE tablet.

The V type "...will support MKV/H.264 of 1080P video play, and supports HDMI output 1080P video to large-screen flat-panel television, while there is support for video formats RMVB, MPEG4, FLV, VC-1, WMV, MPEG2."

The scheduled release date range is October 10 to 15.

There's no word yet on screen size, operating system, or pricing.

[rebski]

With respect, but the specs you quote are those normally associated with a PMP. What information do you have to suggest that it is a "Mobile Internet Device"?

Time will tell of course, just that I find it odd that SmartQ should go to the expense and trouble of releasing the Q7 only to bring out a device just a few short months later that effectively buries it.

I hope I am wrong otherwise I shall need to sell my Q7 (at a loss) and buy the new model. One of my reasons for buying the Q7 was for video playback and, so far, it looks like I made a big mistake.

[celtica96]

Originally Posted by rebski

With respect, but the specs you quote are those normally associated with a PMP. What information do you have to suggest that it is a "Mobile Internet Device"?

@Rebski

Alex at eletroworld sent me the information this morning (9/20/2009) in an email with the title, "SmartQ will provide New MID next month."

Why did he send me this? I have been asking him over the past few weeks for details on possible upgrades to the Q7 and this is what he has shared so far. I just thought I would alert folks who might be in the market for a device like the Toshiba JournE.

I agree that those who bought the Q7 for its media capabilities have been shorted but Chippy over at umpcportal.com warned about this in his video review.

From my perspective, informal testing of video indicates that the Q7 does a better job than the N800 and the Kindles (video is not an option for them) but not as good a job as the ADV3500PC so I'm reasonably happy with the Q7 overall.

However, I would prefer a device that excels at web, video, and eBook tasks and the Q7 isn't quite there.

[rebski]

@celtica96
I was aware before I bought the Q7 that video capabilities are restricted but I also knew that there is a hardware video chip in the device and for which there is currently no software driver.

My assumption remains that such software drivers will be forthcoming and will transform the video capabilities of the device. But this is pure wishful thinking on my part, I have yet to see any such statement from SmartQ or indeed anyone else for that matter.

If the information you have been given is correct and that SmartQ will shortly be releasing a MID with PMP functionality then my Q7 will be on eBay. If there is no hope for video support then it is no use to me.

My experience is that video on the N800 is superior. But then I have taken a lot of trouble to find optimum encoding settings. I have used the same N800 .avi files on the Q7 and with unpleasant results. But I am not really interested in spending time fiddling with encoding settings for the Q7 until such time as video drivers are available.

Thank you for sharing the info with us, I am not challenging what you say just seeking clarification and thinking aloud.

However, I would prefer a device that excels at web, video, and eBook tasks and the Q7 isn't quite there.

Yes I agree completely and in this regard the V5.0 firmware is a disappointment. Maybe v6.0 will bring what we want.

[rebski]

This might relate to the information
http://209.85.227.132/translate_c?hl...iFwt7hYsSXIPzA
Although they use the term MID, the specification is that of a PMP. The article clarifies the distinction between the new V series and the existing Q series. Of course this is from a Google translation.

[Suwat]

you guys may need to consider another unknown difference, `pricing`.

[celtica96]

Originally Posted by rebski

This might relate to the information
http://209.85.227.132/translate_c?hl...iFwt7hYsSXIPzA
Although they use the term MID, the specification is that of a PMP. The article clarifies the distinction between the new V series and the existing Q series. Of course this is from a Google translation.

Thanks for the link. Here's a dose of karma.

IMHO, it's unlikely that SmartDevices will unlock the potential of the Q7 with special video drivers.

It's not unusual for electronics companies to leave things unfinished before moving on to the next model.

Perhaps the Q7 community will pick up the slack but it could be quite a while before this happens.

Another approach would be to ask SmartDevices to discount the V for existing customers.

Would you be interested in that?

Of course, you could sell your Q7 and wait to see how the specifications and pricing of the V turn out.

That way, you would have most of your money back and be able to make a quick decision on a SmartDevices V, an Archos 9, Toshiba JournE, or some other device.

[rebski]

Thanks for the link. Here's a dose of karma.

I saw that page a week or two back but it didn't make sense to me at the time so when you raised the Thread I went searching for it.

IMHO, it's unlikely that SmartDevices will unlock the potential of the Q7 with special video drivers.

I fear you might well be right. What a waste of a resource.

That way, you would have most of your money back and be able to make a quick decision on a SmartDevices V, an Archos 9, Toshiba JournE, or some other device.

That would be the idea, the favourite so far would be the Viliv EX70. I am waiting to see if it will be released with the upcoming Intel Atom 2GHz Z550 and Windows 7 which can be made finger friendlier with the Origami patch http://jkontherun.com/2009/09/21/win...ger-for-touch/

In addition, being Atom cpu, then Moblin might be possible.

Having had a 4.3" screen N800 I was curious to find out how useful a 7" screen might be and that was part of the decision to get the Q7. So if SmartQ optimises the capability then well and good and if not, well, I was forewarned.

[celtica96]

The new V series is labeled in the picture as an HD Mobile Internet Device.

It features 2D/3D video acceleration.

See http://cn.engadget.com/2009/09/22/en...smart-v-1080p/

Part of the page translates roughly to:

Has 1080P video playback and 1080P video output
Supports WIFI wireless Internet access
Uses a 600MHz processor
Has 256MB of high-speed DDR2 memory
Includes 2GB of built-in Flash Memory
Supports SD expansion, up to 32GB
Supports Ubuntu Linux system, WinCE 6.0 operating system
Can run Android (official not pre-installed)
Supports mobile hard disk (OTG function)

Still no word on pricing.

[Nation.A.List]

Originally Posted by celtica96

Still no word on pricing.

$260 in JT's shop

[rebski]

Originally Posted by Nation.A.List

$260 in JT's shop

The Q5 is about $150 so there is quite a premium attached to the enhancement.